Very few of us haven't experienced this rite of passage over our careers. It has never been more important to have a Plan B. Employers don't take care of this for you. I too was a middle management bank employee with a post-graduate degree and years of experience, downsized at the magic age of 50 (the kiss of death). It is virtually impossible to find another job if you're in your 50s. I had never been unemployed prior to that, but it was an eye-opener, for sure.
If after years of service, your job was made redundant and you are now seeking meaningful change, then you are not alone. It has never been more important to have a Plan B, and employers don't do this for you. If this describes your situation and you are seeking inspiration and ideas, a way to create a new income stream and help others, then go online to Meetup.com, become a member for free, and join our Meetup group, Keep Calm and Hire Yourself in Toronto (we also formed Barrie and Collingwood chapters). The best way to predict your future is to create it. Join us and take control of your life.